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The Investigation
A police constable from nearby Princeton, Ontario
conducted the initial investigation. Benwell’s clothing
appeared to have been tampered with and all identifying
tags cut away. Several of Benwell’s belongings were
scattered around him in the snow. Provincial Detective
John Wilson Murray was hired for the case, a detective
known for his innovative investigation techniques.
Reginald Birchall and Mrs. Birchall traveled to Princeton to
identify the body and showed much anger about what
befell their unfortunate friend Benwell.
Through his investigation, interviews with Douglas Pelly,
Mr. and Mrs. Birchall and several witnesses, Det. Murray
concluded that Reginald Birchall was the prime suspect in
the murder case. Birchall was arrested and imprisoned in
the County Jail in Woodstock.